Face oils sometimes get a bad rep and often associated with worsening skin conditions. This cannot be farther from the truth.

Here are three (3) myths about oils in skincare and and how oils can actually help all skin types get healthy, glowing skin.

1. Using oils on your face can clog pores and worsen acne

This is probably the #1 misconception about face oils. The true reason for clogged pores is quite contrary. When your skin is parched (this can happen in humid climates as well), it responds by increasing sebum production.Usually, using soap on safe and harsh cleansers tend to strip skin’s natural oils. This causes skin to overreact and produce more oil. Another reason for breakouts is silicones in skincare. Products with silicones (eg. Dimethicone in the ingredients list) form an impenetrable layer on skin to keep moisture in. Unfortunately, they also trap dirt and sweat in that can then cause slight inflammations and lead to clogged pores and acne. Oil based serums do not cause oily skin or clog pores. Plant oils are high in Essential Fatty Acids that can moisturize, replenish oils lost in skin and prevent excess sebum production, thus actually keeping skin clean. Plus oils that contain Linoleic acid – like Sunflower, Cacay, Rosehip seed, Argan etc- are known to be beneficial for acne prone skin.

2. Oils are bad for people with oily skin

When younger, imbalance of hormones can lead to excess oil production in skin and even hormonal acne. However, the most common reason for over production of sebum is an imbalance in moisture levels caused by loss of skin’s on oil. This is usually due to the use of soaps on skin and harsh cleansers.Skin sebum contains Omega 3, 6 oils (Essential Fatty Acids) that perform a very important function of preventing moisture loss. Skin is acidic with a pH of 5.5. Soaps are alkaline with a pH > 9. Soaps strip oil from your skin’s surface, leaving it dry, causing it to overproduce oil to make up for the loss.
Living in polluted regions, Squalane in skin is constantly depleted. Replenishing skin’s oils and Squalane is paramount to keeping skin well balanced so it does not become oily. A recent dermatology review further points out how face oils can benefit all skin types.

3. Oil free moisturizers are better for people in hotter climates

It’s true that people in hotter climates perspire. But perspiration that causes skin to look moist and shiny should not be confused with oiliness. In fact, in hotter climates, skin is constantly exposed to UV damage that depletes skin’s vitamins and anti-oxidants. An oil based serum is the best way to replenish skin’s nutrients to keep skin balanced and nourished.
Plant oils have an abundance of moisturizing properties and light oils like Cacay, Squalane, Argan and fruit seed oils, can be light and easily absorbed by skin, leaving a conditioned and smooth (not oily) appearance.